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Transformation Garden - June 21, 2010

"Then David returned to bless his household."II Samuel 6:20, Amplified Bible

EXPLORATION

"Coming Home To Bless"

"Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by (humankind)."Rudyard Kipling

How do I use "words" in my family life?

Is the way I communicate in my home more gracious or less gracious than how I communicate with those outside of my home?

"The freedom to communicate requires in a Christian community not only a response of integrity but one of love." Jack Dominian

INSPIRATION

"May the road rise to meet you,May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, May the rains fall softly upon your fields.Until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of His hand."Unknown Author Celtic Blessing

I'm blessed with a great deal of Irish blood in my family heritage. And it is one of my dreams hopefully, someday, to visit the "Emerald Isle." However, not having had the pleasure as yet, I've filled my life with many beautiful stanzas of Irish poetry and melodious Irish tunes that bring joy to my heart. I especially find some of the Irish blessings to be very touching for they speak of tender moments with family and friends. I particularly like the blessing I just quoted above and, in fact, met some friends who have this special blessing hanging on a plaque above the front door to their home.

There's something about coming home and leaving home with a blessing on your lips which I find very heart-warming.

I'll never forget leaving my parents' home many years ago. Before Jim and I got into the car to travel home, my dad put his arms around us and prayed a blessing for a safe trip over our journey. Little did I know that a few hours later, he would suddenly die of a massive heart attack. Thankfully, my last remembrance of my father's voice was his words of blessing upon our lives. I've often thought about this when I'm in a rush to go somewhere and I forget to say "I love you," to those who are the most important to me in my life.

As we study the last few verses in II Samuel 6, we find that the interaction between David and members of his family begins with his desire to return home to bless them.

Let's not forget, for three long months, ever since Uzzah's death during the initial attempt to move the Ark of the Covenant to the City of David, Jerusalem, David had lived under a blanket of fear, probably brought on by his guilt at the untimely death of Uzzah caused by David's own disobedience.

However, as time passed, it seems the "Good News" got out - - blessings were being showered upon the family and household of Obededom who now had the Ark in their possession. And so, even with great fear in his heart, David again decided to bring the Ark to Jerusalem. But this time, every step and every move was guided by God - - and the end result reflected this obedience. The Bible says there was great rejoicing at the success of the undertaking. With joy filling every cell of his body, David returned home - - not under cover of fear but in full exposure to the blessing of heaven. There was joyful dancing in the streets as David made his way to his family abode. It was with blessings on his lips, he intended to greet the members of his household.

Just imagine the homecoming! Dad was coming home with gratitude to God radiating from his heart and overflowing with blessings on his lips for each family member. All I can say is what a grand reunion.

As we continue to reflect upon the four verses that close II Samuel 6, we note that the key to these passages is the use of "words" - - especially "words" which are spoken within the confines of our family, behind the walls and behind the closed doors and windows. It is these words, positive and negative, which are critical, for they set the tone that is also frequently used once we leave our family home. When we are in a habit of speaking kindly and graciously within our families this is usually the way we will interact with others outside the family. When we, like David, are blessing the lives within our homes, these blessings will be integrated into the communication we have outside our homes. Augustine called the words we speak, "precious cups of meaning," and it is these cups which we remember when we are apart one from another, for our blessed words linger long after we are speaking no more.

"You can't speak a kind word too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late." Author Unknown

AFFIRMATION

"The circle of Jesus keep you from sorrowThe circle of Jesus today and tomorrow The circle of Jesus your foes confound The circle of Jesus your life surround

The Father on you his blessing bestowThe Son his love towards you flow The Spirit his presence to you show On you and all the folk you know On you and all who around you go The Threefold blessing may you know

The joy of this day be yours The joy of this week be yours The joy of this year be yours The joy of the Father be yours The joy of the spirit be yours The joy of the Son be yours Joy for ever and ever be yours

The hands of the Father uphold you The hands of the Saviour enfold you The hands of the Spirit surround you And the blessing of God Almighty Father, Son and Holy Spirit Uphold you evermore. David Adam

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